The 97th Mashemeji Derby made history on Monday, June 2, as the iconic clash between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards was held for the first time at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay County.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News The match, which ended in a draw and put Kenya Police closer to the league title, marked a turning point not just in football history but in the economic and sporting prospects of the South Nyanza region.The stadium, which had rarely seen full capacity since its construction, was brought to life by the thousands of fans who flocked to Homabay for the Madaraka Day weekend and the derby.##NAJAVA_MECA_54405##The result was a significant economic boost for local traders, who now want the momentum sustained.“We need more Gor Mahia games here in Homabay. For the last three days, our businesses have thrived, but now we’re going back to minimal sales. Soon, you won’t find anyone near this stadium again,” said Nicolas Otulo, a Gor Mahia fan and local trader.While some locals called for the stadium to be regularly used by Gor, others urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Homabay County Government to allocate more matches, including County League fixtures, to the venue.“We know Gor Mahia is a national team, and it might be hard to have them here often. But the county can still benefit by hosting local league matches regularly. Let’s not let this great stadium go to waste,” one fan remarked.🏟️⚽ #MashemejiDerby | Madaraka Day Edition – Homabay County 🇰🇪Bringing one of Kenya’s biggest football rivalries to the lakeside was more than just a match—it was a statement. A statement that #SportsTourism is alive, thriving, & belongs in every corner of our great nation. pic.twitter.com/lbN7d3EXfb— Sports Tourism LTD (@sportstourismlt) June 3, 2025 Long considered a football backwater, Homabay is now experiencing a surge in football development.Gor Mahia official reveals how club lost revenue during Mashemeji Derby in Homa BayUnder the leadership of FKF County Chair Maurice Ogweno, now serving his second term, the county has seen increased participation in FKF competitions.In the coming season, Gideon Starlets will represent the county in the FKF Women’s Premier League after securing promotion, while the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) will continue to feature in the National Super League (NSL).The county also has teams across various FKF Division Two, Regional, County, and Sub-County Leagues.From just seven teams in the 2021/22 season, the County League has expanded into three zones: A, B, and C, with the latter dedicated exclusively to island-based teams.“We now have more football than ever. Let the county bring back MOFA games here and offer better structures so teams can thrive,” urged George Ouma, a fan who watched his beloved K’Ogalo concede the title to Kenya Police.Cash-strapped FKF buckling under weight of soaring legal billsDespite this growth, FKF Chair Ogweno acknowledges that a lack of funding remains the biggest obstacle.“We now have over 58 teams in the County League and more than 190 teams playing in sub-branch and sub-ward games. Even the islands have 13 active teams. But our biggest challenge is money,” he said.Most of the teams are self-sponsored and often struggle to maintain operations after earning promotion to higher tiers.“Without support, many teams rise and then collapse midway through the season due to a lack of resources. We’ve approached the county and private investors, but no one has stepped in yet,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_8963099##To ease the burden, FKF Homabay has waived all participation and affiliation fees, leaving teams to cover only referee costs and player registration.Ogweno believes that the Raila Odinga Stadium can become the hub of regional football activity if stakeholders rally together.“This stadium has massive potential. With proper collaboration between the county, FKF, and sponsors, we can transform it into the heartbeat of football in South Nyanza,” he told LTN Sports.I just spent time with a happy Gor Mahia fan on the sidelines of the ongoing Mashemeji Derby at the now renovated Raila Odinga Stadium, at Homabay County, a facility revitalised through the national government’s deliberate investment in modern sports infrastructure. My chat with… pic.twitter.com/A0bj8FHDPg— NG’ENDO MURUGU (@MRSMuruguu) June 2, 2025
